UN chief calls for restraint, transition in Egypt

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday he was concerned about the "growing" violence in Egypt and called for a transition of power to take place immediately.

"I am concerned about the growing violence," Ban said in a speech during a visit to London.

"Violence against peaceful protesters is totally unacceptable."

Ban called on all parties in the demonstrations to show restraint and to engage in negotiations.

The UN chief said the protests "reflect great frustration among the Egyptian people".

"A transition should be taken and the sooner the better. It should begin now," he said.

Thousands of anti-regime protesters stood their ground in a central Cairo square on Thursday despite attacks by supporters of President Hosni Mubarak, as the main opposition groups rejected talks with the government until the president steps down.